Center Todd McClure
Q: As a veteran guy, how does it feel to be snapping the ball to a rookie quarterback? What are your thoughts on what he is going to have to deal with or have you seen enough of him to think he is going to be okay?
A: “I think he is going to be okay. He is going to have his growing pains just like everyone did. You look at Peyton Manning in his first year and he struggled. I just hope that the fans and the media give this guy a chance. He is not going to go out there and be Hall of Famer every game this year. He is going to have some mistakes and we are going to help him out as much as we can. I just want everybody to give him a chance.”
Q: Do you think this is the right thing to put him in at this point or do you think it would have been better to bring him in Week 4 or further along?
A: “I can’t make that decision. I felt like my best experience as an offensive lineman was when I was in there. I think just like anyone that you learn by being on the field. I think he is going to come along quicker by being in there and being there early. He will learn by seeing it firsthand. I think it is a good move.”
Q: How does Matt come in here from day one and earn the trust and respect from the guys?
A: “First of all, he bought a nice sound system for in there (laughing). He meshes well with the offensive line. He comes over there on the sidelines and lets us know what he is thinking. We went to a no huddle situation in the game the other day. Before we went to that, he came over there and talked to us and told us what he was thinking. He likes to give us a heads up. I think he’s a little bit ahead of his age by thinking ahead of time before he gets on the field.”
Linebacker Keith Brooking
Q: Do you think this is the right move to give him this starting job?
A: “ I believe in Matt 100 percent. Everything that I have seen from him from the moment that he walked through those doors in April is that he is ready to take over the offense and lead us to success. All the intangibles are there. He has a tremendous work ethic and an ability to move forward to the next play when something happens. No matter who you are or how much experience you have at quarterback, negative things will happen. The important thing is for the leaders and veterans on this team to let him know that we believe in him. He has enough confidence to play that position and be successful. I think it is important for us to show him that support.”
MORE FROM THE RYAN ANNOUNCEMENT:
- RELEASE: Ryan named Falcons Week 1 starter
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Matt Ryan
- TRANSCRIPT: Mike Smith | Matt Ryan | Todd McClure | Keith Brooking
- BLOGS: Ryan to be Named Starter | Ryan to Start... What are They Saying?
- BOARDS: Talk about the news with other Falcons fans
